06/03/2009 - Greengrocer to close after 20 years
A community greengrocer is set to go out of business after more than two decades because he can no longer compete with a neighbouring supermarket.
Alan Mellor, who has traded in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, hoped he could move into a newly built unit when his existing council-owned shop is seized for demolition later this month, but a restrictive covenant agreed between the Heart of England Co-op and the developers of a new village centre in Camp Hill, Nuneaton, means he would be unable to sell fruit and vegetables.
Mr Mellor, 57, has sought legal advice as to whether the "monopoly agreement" between the Co-op and the new centre's developer amounted to a restraint of trade.
He said: "They are saying this agreement is common practice but the whole thing has been totally mismanaged.
"This is against all ideals of fair trade, but I've been told it's set in stone and we can't do anything about it."
Mr Mellor said he has been overwhelmed by support from locals who protested outside the newly opened Co-op store and gathered a 1,500-signature petition opposing the covenant, and even set up a Facebook group, attracting 530 members.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Related links
|
